FDP Saxony senses a spirit of optimism in its own ranks

The Saxon FDP wants to leave the valley of tears behind and get involved in state politics again. At the party conference in Chemnitz on Saturday, FDP leader Matthias Schniebel sensed a spirit of optimism within his own ranks. "Our members and delegates are willing to take the FDP forward again," he told the German Press Agency in Dresden.

In the extensive debate, Schniebel emphasized that the election defeats of the past were virtually no longer an issue. The party is looking to the future and sees itself as an original when it comes to freedom and liberalism. "Genuine liberal ideas only come from us." An important topic in the strategic plan is to attract new members and retain current ones. This is extremely important. The Saxony FDP currently has around 1,800 members.

Saxony FDP has not been represented in the state parliament since 2014

The Chemnitz state party conference was held under the motto "The free citizen takes center stage". The Saxon Liberals said they wanted to send a clear signal for political renewal - for the party, state and society. As an extra-parliamentary opposition, however, it has a difficult time doing so. The FDP has not been represented in the state parliament since 2014 and only received 0.9 percent of the second votes in the 2024 state election.

FDP wants to emphasize its unique selling point as a liberal force

According to Schniebel, his party now wants to emphasize its unique selling point as a liberal force again. "We are the party for those who want to make progress in their lives, who want to make something of their lives independently." The FDP wants to offer solutions for these people. At the moment, we can see that the state has become too sluggish. Bureaucracy threatens to suffocate companies and citizens.

According to Schniebel, there should also be a comprehensive structural reform of his own party - with clear decision-making processes, more transparency, greater member participation and a modern organization. "Saxony does not need a welfare policy, but a spirit of freedom. We want to show that freedom is once again a model for success - for citizens, companies and our party," said the state leader.